Swamp Head Brewery Big Nose American IPA at 7.3% ABV | 50 IBU (US$2.49 at Knightly Spirits Orange Blossom Trail, 355 ml, bottle date 21-Mar-2017, best before 20-Jul-2017, acquired 15-May-2017, reviewed 24-May-2017)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale amber with two fingers of fluffy ivory head that retains well, well-defined lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, resiny pine, caramel, tropical fruit, floral, very light diacetyl. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter finish. (3/5)
I’m always deeply concerned when the label starts off with “crystal clear water”. Seriously? That’s your lede? “We don’t use tainted ingredients”? Well, good, I guess, though it’s a little distressing that you felt it necessary to point it out, and/or that’s the best you’ve got to say. Anyhoo, this is Stump Knocker’s big brother, and in a lot of ways, the familial resemblance is clear. This is a little cleaner, though, and a little more hop-forward – although there’s just the slightest hint of buttery diacetyl I could do without. (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
